It is the UK’s most favourite spirit but how many of us can claim to have eight dozen bottles in the drinks cabinet?
An anonymous collector has consigned more than 100 limited-edition bottles of the iconic Swedish drink for sale, in what may be the largest single-owner collection to ever come to market.
His collection, including some of the rarest bottles ever produced, is going under the hammer at Hansons Auctioneers’ sale in Etwall, Derby on July 29.
The Swedish brand has created limited editions since the 1980s, with one of its first collaborations being with the pop art legend Andy Warhol in 1986.
The remarkable stockpile, consigned from a collector in Lancashire, includes a rare Absolut Mexico, from 2012, designed by the Mexican artist Dr Lakra and bursting with Mayan and Aztec imagery. It has an estimate of £15-25.
Also part of the haul is a collectable bottle of Absolut Unique from the same year. While more than 4 million bottles were produced, no two are the same thanks to a unique colour splash on the bottle. The bottle featured in this sale is numbered 2,585,516. It has an estimate of £15-£25.
Also set to appear on the rostrum are two bottles of Absolut Colors from 2015, both featuring the famous rainbow flag in support of LGBTQ+ rights which was designed by Gilbert Baker (1951-2017) in 1978. Absolut started its collaboration with the American artist in 2008, creating a number of bottles with him.
In 2018 saw the launch of another collectors’ favourite – Absolut Drop – which introduced bottles featuring hate signs and graffiti, reimagined into a message of peace and tolerance. The sale features a bottle of Drop of Love, which has an estimate of £15-£25.
The collection also includes an astonishing variety of flavoured vodkas including blackcurrant, hibiscus, pepper and honey melon. There are also rare editions celebrating places around the globe with bottles named after countries, including India, Australia and Korea and cities such as Chicago, Miami and Buenos Aries.
Others such as Absolut “Nox” was produced in 2016 exclusively for Pacha Nightclub, Ibiza. Only 1,500 bottles were created making it highly collectable.
Few spirits brands have captured the public imagination quite like Absolut Vodka. Founded in 1879, by Lars Olsson Smith a distiller who pioneered continuous distillation, creating a purer, smoother spirit. His original product, Absolut Rent Brännvin (Absolute Pure Vodka), set the tone for what would become Absolut Vodka a century later. Relaunched in 1979 in its now-famous clear bottle—modelled on an old Swedish apothecary flask—the brand quickly stood out for both its product and presentation.
Anyone interested in selling bottles—whether well-known labels or forgotten treasures tucked away in cupboards—is encouraged to contact Stuart Palmer for a free valuation at [email protected] or call 07794 952290.
Auction Information
Auction: Hansons July Specialist Wine, Whisky & Spirits Auction
Auction date: 19th July 2025 | 10am
Location: Hansons Derbyshire Saleroom
Auction contact: [email protected]
Catalogue/bidding: www.hansonslive.co.uk | www.the-saleroom.com
